EPL: Joe Cole criticizes Wilfred Ndidi’s tackle on Cole Palmer

By Saheed Afolabi

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has voiced his concerns over Wilfred Ndidi’s challenge on Cole Palmer during Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, a match that saw the Blues climb to third in the Premier League standings.

Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, described Ndidi’s tackle on Palmer as “reckless” and argued that it should have resulted in a red card, despite the VAR review that upheld the referee’s decision to issue only a yellow card.

“That tackle was dangerous, he [Ndidi] could have hurt him [Palmer]. If VAR is ever going to step in for reckless endangerment, then that’s the type of challenge it should be looking at,” Cole said.

“Leicester were already struggling in the game, and at that point, Ndidi had clearly lost his composure. It was a bad tackle, and he should have been sent off.”

Cole went on to suggest that if Ndidi had scored an equalizer for Leicester, it could have sparked unnecessary controversy, potentially causing a setback for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

“Imagine if Ndidi had played a role in Leicester getting back into the game. Maresca would have been furious,” Cole added. “It was a close call, but in my opinion, he should have been off the pitch.”